England’s women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the upcoming home leg of the inaugural WXV Global Series. The selection, overseen by head coach John Mitchell, features a remarkable 25 players who were part of the World Cup‑winning squad, underscoring the depth of experience that Mitchell hopes to translate into strong performances on home soil.
Captained by the dynamic Megan Jones, the group brings together an impressive tally of 1,234 international caps, a testament to the collective expertise and on‑field knowledge of the players. While the majority of the squad are seasoned internationals, Mitchell has also taken the opportunity to introduce fresh talent, naming three uncapped athletes – Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen – who will have the chance to earn their first senior caps during the series.
The first match of the home leg will see England take on Australia at the newly‑renamed CorpAcq Stadium, situated on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September. This fixture offers a chance for the Roses to test their preparations against a formidable opponent in a venue that promises a lively atmosphere.
A week later, on 19 September, the Red Roses will face Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, recreating the showdown of the 2025 World Cup final and providing a narrative thread that ties past triumphs to future ambitions. Fans are encouraged to view the associated video content using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible and reliable player experience.
The final home match of the series will be a marquee event: England versus New Zealand at the iconic Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September. The fixture is expected to draw over 50,000 spectators, offering a spectacular stage for the Roses to showcase their brand of rugby against the world’s most successful women’s side. In his post‑selection comments, Mitchell highlighted the positive momentum generated during the pre‑season.
“We have had a constructive pre‑season in terms of training and the exposure we have given to players,” he said. “The girls have worked hard to strengthen their connections on and off the field, which makes us a stronger unit and raises our standards.” He added that the team has been training at a level that exceeds match intensity, preparing them to deliver an exciting brand of rugby that can captivate both the nation and the players themselves.
“The squad is only four weeks old, and there is still plenty of fuel in the tank,” Mitchell continued. “This is an exhilarating period for us, and we are eager to seize the opportunities that lie ahead across three Test matches on home soil.” The 2026 season marks the debut of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to provide regular, high‑quality international fixtures for the twelve top women’s rugby nations. The format for the 2026‑2028 cycle locks in the same twelve participants, eliminating promotion and relegation to ensure stability and long‑term planning for all unions involved. Following the home leg, the Red Roses will continue their campaign with an overseas tour in October, taking on Canada and the United States as part of the series.
These matches will further test the squad’s cohesion and adaptability in different environments, providing valuable experience ahead of future World Cup cycles. Below is the full list of players selected for the home leg, divided by position: Forwards: - Sarah Bern - Hannah Botterman - Delaney Burns - Abi Burton - May Campbell - Mackenzie Carson - Kelsey Clifford - Amy Cokayne - Maddie Feaunati - Bryony Field (uncapped) - Haidee Head - Lilli Ives Campion - Hayley Jones (uncapped) - Sadia Kabeya - Haineala Lutui - Alex Matthews - Sophie McQueen (uncapped) - Maud Muir - Marlie Packer - Demelza Short - Morwenna Talling Backs: - Holly Aitchison - Jess Breach - Millie David - Zoe Harrison - Tatyana Heard - Natasha Hunt - Megan Jones (captain) - Ellie Kildunne - Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald - Lucy Packer - Flo Robinson - Helena Rowland - Emma Sing - Mia Venner - Bo Westcombe‑Evans This carefully balanced mix of veteran leaders and emerging talent reflects Mitchell’s vision of a squad capable of delivering high‑intensity, entertaining rugby while also building depth for the future. The upcoming fixtures will not only provide a platform for the Red Roses to entertain their home fans but also serve as a crucial step in their preparation for the next World Cup and beyond.